California struggles with updated seismic codes

In California, there are still hundreds of concrete buildings that need reinforcement to bring them up to the new seismic code.

October 25, 2013 |

BD+C Editor

In California, there are still hundreds of concrete buildings that need reinforcement to bring them up to the new seismic code. As many as 50 of the more than 1,000 concrete buildings in Los Angeles would be in danger of collapsing during an earthquake, according to conservative estimates.

Some owners have done retrofits, but the cost of adding reinforcement is beyond the reach of many. The city is looking for ways to help mitigate the costs, while some City Council members are calling for verification that the problem is as widespread as reports indicate.